Assam Govt Issues Notification Banning Plastic Water Bottles Below 1 Litre

In a decisive move towards environmental conservation, the Assam Environment and Forest Department has taken a significant step by announcing the ban on the use and production of plastic water bottles below 1000 ml capacity within the state. This transformative initiative, set to be enforced from October 2 this year, reflects Assam’s commitment to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.

Recognizing the environmental hazards posed by such smaller plastic bottles, the Assam government’s decision aligns with its commitment to safeguard the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

A Progressive Ban on PET Bottles: Assam’s Vision for a Greener Future

Last month, the Assam government made headlines by declaring its intent to prohibit the production and use of drinking water bottles made from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a volume of less than 1 litre. This commendable decision has now materialized into official action, with the Assam Environment and Forest Department issuing a resolute notification on August 23. The notification effectively puts an end to the manufacturing, import, stocking, distribution, and sale of plastic water bottles below the specified capacity.

Legal Authority and Implementation

The ban on plastic water bottles below 1000 ml capacity falls under the purview of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification invokes the powers vested in the State by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, under Section 23 of the Act. As per the notification, the ban will become effective on October 2.

The responsibility for implementing this prohibition is shared among various entities, including Urban and Rural local bodies, District Administration, Police department, and the Pollution Control Board of Assam. This collaborative effort underscores the comprehensive approach taken by the Assam government in ensuring the successful execution of the ban.